Exercise Program for Breast Cancer

(StrongSurvivor Trial)

Overseen By Shoshi Barkai, MS

Age: 65+

Sex: Female

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of California, San Diego

Must not be taking: Benzodiazepines, Neuroleptics

Disqualifiers: Fall-related fracture, Cardiovascular, Pulmonary, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

Duration: 16 weeks

15 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a new exercise program designed for older adults who have recently undergone a mastectomy (breast removal surgery). Delivered online, the program aims to improve participants' fitness, balance, and strength in a supportive group setting. It suits those comfortable with video calls and who have enough space at home to move around safely. Participants should be at least 65 years old and ready to commit to a 16-week program. The goal is to determine if this exercise program can enhance quality of life and physical health during recovery. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to research that could improve recovery experiences for others in the future.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but it does exclude people who are on multiple benzodiazepine or neuroleptic medications. It's best to discuss your specific medications with the trial organizers.

What prior data suggests that this exercise program is safe for breast cancer survivors?

A previous study found the Strong Survivors exercise program to be safe, with no serious side effects. Participants experienced no significant negative health changes. The program includes exercises adjustable to each person's abilities, making it manageable for participants. Experts, including doctors and physical therapists, designed the program to ensure safety and effectiveness for breast cancer survivors. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the "Strong Survivors" program because it offers a fresh approach to supporting breast cancer patients through exercise. Unlike traditional treatments, which often focus solely on medical interventions like surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation, this program emphasizes physical activity as a complementary strategy. The program is unique because it is video-assisted and can be done remotely, making it highly accessible and convenient for patients who might have difficulty attending in-person sessions. By providing structured, remote guidance, it encourages patients to build strength and resilience during their recovery journey.

What evidence suggests that this exercise program is effective for breast cancer recovery?

Studies have shown that exercise programs like Strong Survivors, which participants in this trial will engage in, can help breast cancer survivors improve their physical abilities. Research indicates that these programs enhance fitness, balance, and strength, all crucial for recovery. A similar program delivered through telehealth demonstrated physical improvement in participants, suggesting that structured, supervised exercise leads to positive results. While specific data on Strong Survivors is still being gathered, video guidance allows participants to receive personalized support. Overall, exercise programs designed for cancer survivors show promise in boosting recovery and quality of life. ^{1 3 4 6 7}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

The Strong Survivors trial is for older adults who have had breast cancer and a mastectomy. They should be able to participate in a digital exercise program from home, with enough space and technology (device with camera) to follow along. The program aims to improve their fitness, balance, strength, and overall recovery.

Inclusion Criteria

Provision of signed and dated informed consent form

I am 65 years old or older.

I had a mastectomy within the last 4 weeks.

Exclusion Criteria

Have sustained a previous fall-related fracture within the last 2 years

I experience vertigo or feel dizzy/light-headed.

I am taking more than one benzodiazepine or neuroleptic medication.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Participants engage in a 16-week video-assisted exercise program focusing on aerobic fitness, balance, and muscular strength

16 weeks

2 classes per week (virtual)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, including follow-up queries regarding falls for up to 1 year

1 year

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Strong Survivors: A Video-assisted Exercise Program

Trial Overview

This study tests a 16-week digital exercise program designed for geriatric breast cancer survivors post-mastectomy. It includes aerobic exercises, balance/mobility training, and muscle strengthening. Participants will join small group classes initially then transition to larger groups while maintaining individualized difficulty levels.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Strong Survivors Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

16 week, twice weekly, remote exercise program

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of California, San Diego

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,215

Recruited

1,593,000+

Citations

1.

clinicaltrials.gov

clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07071896

A Video-assisted Exercise Program for the Geriatric Breast ...

The program was designed with physician input and by exercise physiologists and a Doctor of Physical Therapy, all with extensive training in ...

2.

trialx.com

trialx.com/clinical-trials/listings/312167/strong-survivors-a-video-assisted-exercise-program-for-the-geriatric-breast-cancer-patient/

Strong Survivors: A Video-assisted Exercise Program for ...

Clinical trial for Mastectomy , Strong Survivors: A Video-assisted Exercise Program for the Geriatric Breast Cancer Patient.

3.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11639799/

Digital Rehabilitation Program for Breast Cancer Survivors ...

This study explored the effectiveness of the “THRIVE” mobile app-based rehabilitation program (Version 2.2.1) for breast cancer survivors.

4.

clinicaltrials.ucsd.edu

clinicaltrials.ucsd.edu/trial/NCT07071896

Strong Survivors: A Video-assisted Exercise Program for the ...

Strong Survivors: A Video-assisted Exercise Program for the Geriatric Breast Cancer Patient. a study on Mastectomy Breast Cancer. Summary.

5.

cancer.jmir.org

cancer.jmir.org/2025/1/e56718

Preliminary Effectiveness of a Telehealth-Delivered Exercise ...

Conclusions: Our findings suggest a one-on-one, supervised telehealth exercise program may positively influence measures of physical function, ...

6.

clinicaltrials.gov

clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07071896?firstPost=2020-10-02_&viewType=Table&rank=4

Study Details | Strong Survivors: A Video-assisted Exercise ...

An unfavorable change in the health of a participant, including abnormal laboratory findings, that happens during a clinical study or within a ...

7.

oncologynewscentral.com

oncologynewscentral.com/article/survival-benefit-in-breast-cancer-patients-who-exercise

Survival Benefit in Breast Cancer Patients Who Exercise

“The high-intensity exercise intervention that was provided in the OptiTrain trial showed positive effects on registry-reported overall survival ...